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The 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer with Retina Display from Apple is a powerful notebook computer with an innovative, ultrathin, ultraportable aluminum unibody design. It is loaded with advanced power management features and an integrated lithium polymer battery, which work together to provide up to 7 hours of wireless web browsing.
The most noticeable difference between this MacBook Pro and its predecessor is the Retina display. The widescreen, LED-backlit IPS screen has a glossy finish and a native resolution of 2880 x 1800. With 220 pixel-per-inch, this MacBook Pro has a pixel count of over 5 million. You'll be able to output up to two external displays at up to 2560 x 1600 via Thunderbolt (mini DisplayPort). Any Mini DisplayPort-compatible display will plug in without the need of an adapter. This MacBook Pro also adds an HDMI support so HDMI-compliant devices, particularly HDTVs, are now natively supported as well.
The system is powered by a quad-core Ivy Bridge 2.6GHz Intel Core i7 processor. The computer is loaded with 16GB of DDR3 RAM, 512GB flash storage and a Secure Digital media card slot. You'll be able to connect to the Internet with ease via 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi. The MacBook Pro also features built-in Bluetooth 4.0, which allows you to connect wireless headphones, keyboard, mice and other compatible peripherals without a hassle.
Graphics are handled by a hybrid graphics system. To take full advantage of the Retina display, this MacBook Pro uses nVIDIA GeForce GT 650M graphics with 1GB of dedicated memory, which is 60% faster than previous Apple MacBook Pro models. The GeForce GT 650M also has nVIDIA Optimus technology, which switches over to the integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 when high-performance visuals are not needed in order to save battery life.
This MacBook Pro has two Thunderbolt ports, a high-speed interface that can move data at an amazing 10Gbps, which is double that of USB 3.0. Speaking of USB 3.0, Apple has finally decided to embrace it. This MacBook Pro now features two USB 3.0 ports so you no longer have to buy an adapter, but can use USB 3.0-compliant devices natively as well.
The computer features a comfortable backlit chiclet-style keyboard, which features space between each key for improved accuracy and comfort when typing. It also sports a glass Multi-Touch trackpad with a clickable design. Rather than having a separate button for mouse clicks, the entire surface of the pad is clickable. This increases the active surface area and allows you to quickly click without having to maneuver to the bottom of the trackpad.
The trackpad also fully supports multi-touch gestures. You can tap the trackpad with one finger to click, tap with two fingers to right click, scroll through documents using two fingers, pinch to zoom, navigate through Safari or iPhoto with three-finger left and right swipes or use two fingers to rotate a photo or PDF.
iLife '11 has a complete suite of digital creativity applications. Easy enough for anyone to use, iLife '11 will help you edit your home movies, organize digital photos and compose original music. iLife '11 includes iPhoto, iMovie and GarageBand.
The 64-bit Mac OS X features Time Machine backup, which automatically backs up system data to an external hard drive. It also features intuitive Cover Flow navigation, the powerful Spotlight search tool and Quick Look document preview. You'll be able to use Boot Camp to run Windows on your Mac, if needed.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Processor | 2.6GHz Intel Core i7 Quad-Core |
| Cache | L3: 6MB |
| System Bus | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Memory |
Slots: Onboard Type: 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM Installed: 16GB |
| Graphics Card |
Type: Hybrid Graphics System Installed: Intel HD Graphics 4000 Shared; NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 1GB GDDR5 SDRAM Dedicated |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Type | Widescreen |
| Size | 15.4" |
| Backlight | LED |
| Aspect Ratio | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Finish | Glossy |
| Native Resolution | 2880 x 1800 |
| Supported Resolutions |
1920 x 1200 at 16:10 Aspect Ratio 1680 x 1050 at 16:10 Aspect Ratio 1280 x 800 at 16:10 Aspect Ratio 1024 x 600 at 16:10 Aspect Ratio |
| External Resolution | Up to 2560 x 1600 |
| Dual Display | Yes |
| Video Mirroring | Yes |
| Storage | |
|---|---|
| Hard Drive |
Installed: 512GB Type: Flash Storage |
| Optical Drive | None |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Ports |
2x Thunderbolt 2x USB 3.0 (A) |
| Display |
1x Mini DisplayPort 1x HDMI |
| Audio |
Integrated Stereo Speakers 2x Integrated Digital Microphone 1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Headphone Output |
| Flash Media Slot | 1x SDXC |
| Communications | |
|---|---|
| Network | None |
| Modem | None |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Mobile Broadband | None |
| GPS | None |
| Webcam | Yes |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion |
| Security | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Keyboard |
Keys: 78 Type: Full-Size Features: Backlight, Chiclet Style |
| Pointing Device | TouchPad with Double-Tap, Drag, Four-Finger Swipe, Inertial Scrolling, Pinch, Rotate, Tap, Three-Finger Swipe |
| Battery | Built-In Lithium-Polymer Providing up to 7 Hours per Charge |
| Power Requirements | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 14.1 x 0.7 x 9.7" / 35.9 x 1.8 x 24.7 cm |
| Weight | 4.46 lb / 2.02 kg |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Most Liked Positive Review
Best Laptop I've ever had..
I am a pretty savvy user and have a number of other products. Have had several macbooks and have tried every OS imaginable with pretty much every combination of hardware setup. That being said ...Read complete review
I am a pretty savvy user and have a number of other products. Have had several macbooks and have tried every OS imaginable with pretty much every combination of hardware setup. That being said nothing beats the feel I get from using this product. First of all the screen is magnificent and a pleasure to use. The speed of the machine is incredible and does not make me miss my souped up workstation that is currently in storage and finally it amazes not only how light this is but also how long the battery lasts. Throw on top ML and you have a winner.. No matter what you think it is the best OS out there.. it is a perfect example of a commercially implemented linux platform and something Ubuntu (which is another favorite of mine) should aspire too.. Windows has a long way to go. Don't really have any negatives.. Maybe now and then I need a DVD drive for discs but can get around that using my mac mini.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Ghosting and Image retention
The laptop itself is great, the performance is amazing. It can take what ever i throw at it. However there is one problem. A problem that exist on all macbook pro with retina ...Read complete review
The laptop itself is great, the performance is amazing. It can take what ever i throw at it. However there is one problem. A problem that exist on all macbook pro with retina display, and that is image retention or ghosting. It's like a stuck pixel, but on a very large scale. Say you have your photo on lightroom, or photoshop, or whatever software you use for say 3 minutes, perform some light retouch and what not, and when you minimize or close the program, guess what?!?!?! you can still see the picture. It's like magic. The post is if that is important to you then don't get this laptop. Also there have been some report that some screen that apple use on this laptop is made by Samsung and it have a much deeper blacks levels.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 32 customers
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Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer with Retina Display:
I had waiting till my old windows and laptop will gave up and change to Mac - great buy very fast,powerful ,uploaded CS6 Adobe runs without a glitch!
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Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer with Retina Display:
Bought as upgrade to my old MacBook. Blazingly fast startup. Great display.
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Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer with Retina Display:
Really love using my new Macbook pro, so fast!
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Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer with Retina Display:
I love this computer. It has the speed I need to get projects finished. I haven't waited for anything to start up yet!
I'd recommend the Retina MBP and using B&H to purchase one to anyone!
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Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer with Retina Display:
I upgraded from a 2007 model macbook pro so the jump to this thing is pretty awesome. First thing I noticed was how light-weight it is. I was really worried about the screen and surfing the web but my experience has been great. Yes, some graphics on non-optimized pages look fuzzy, but editing pictures on this thing is LEGIT. This is the photographer's computer. Also, the screen seems to open to a greater angle than the previous macs. I suggest maxing out the RAM and getting a 500GB ssd because you can't upgrade them and down the road when new OS graphics will demand the 16GB ram. Downsides... no ethernet port or security port. You'll have to buy a $30 adapter and a $40 new security gadget. those are the only negatives for me. I recommend this mac.
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Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer with Retina Display:
I know Apple will say this is the best MacBook ever! But actually, they're right. The screen, keyboard, processor, graphics processor are all exemplary. We see that every time, right? So what's different? This new model has a huge improvement in sound quality and screen quality. The Retina display is simply the best laptop screen money can buy. If like me you need to edit photographs accurately, this should be your new laptop. One aspect of laptop design that I often find ignored is build quality, and this new MacBook is simply the finest built laptop I have ever experienced. It has stunning levels of engineering and attention to detail.
My purchasing experience with B&H was, as always, fantastic. Real people, real quality. As a professional photographer, who else would I buy from? I mean really? There is only B&H, simply the best photographic store in the world. Oh, and the best price too! Win win.
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Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer with Retina Display:
This machine is one of the best if not best notebook computers I have ever owned. As soon as you touch it it feels solid and like a premium machine. While this is not a high end gaming machine like Alienware, the MacBook Pro Retina handles anything like a champ. Coupled with the SSD core i7 processor this thing is no slouch.
It's so thin and light compared to previous generation MBP. The addition of HDMI and USB 3.0 is a definite plus, but the loss of ethernet port is a minus and even bigger minus having to purchase a thunderbolt adapter. Wish Apple would include the adapter or at least not cost so much. For most people connecting via wifi this isn't as important, however, it is for me moving large files over gigabit connection on my LAN. The loss of optical drive has been a non issue for me so far since I can boot from USB flash. The battery is great on OS X can definitely go a whole day, however, running Windows 8 in bootcamp has significantly less battery life most likely because it is running on the dedicated GPU the entire time instead of switching. And the display, WOW! I have never seen a more gorgeous and amazing display on any device before.
My main gripe would be value and the ability to expand later. Since the RAM is now soldered I opted to get 16GB of RAM. This of course bumps the price up considerably and since its an Apple you pay a premium for this machine. Now is it worth it? That's all subjective and who you're asking. For me the performance and that display make it worth it to me and I would say you pay for what you get. However, there are some machines with better value and more bang for your buck. Just keep in mind when you consider this notebook that it will be very difficult, if impossible, to upgrade components. This is why I give it 4 stars.
Overall, this is one of the best notebooks on the market today. I am very pleased with my MacBook Pro Retina and B&H had a great price and quick shipping along with no sales tax (Texas resident here) made it the best place to purchase my MacBook Pro Retina.
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Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer with Retina Display:
My first Mac since 5th grade (1994). Love this thing for editing photos, video, and IT admin work. The retina display really makes photos pop, almost like they're printed!
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Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer with Retina Display:
I've been using an older Mac Pro and MacBook Pro for about 6 years. This machine (15" MacBook Pro + Retina + 500g Flash + 16GB Ram) is a major upgrade for working with photoshop/lightroom.
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Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer with Retina Display:
So many issues - please research on web before you buy. There are serious issues with wifi (have to reboot ~30 minutes to stay connected) as well as processor issues. This computer is basically an unusable brick. Unbelievably poor quality for any price let alone what it is.
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Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer with Retina Display:
When a customer wants a great Windows notebook and no Mac OS, we still can not find a better deal for quality build, features and speed than a Macbook Pro. So we have been selling our clients bootcamped Macbooks every time they want a high end notebook. It's worked out well and the clients are happy.
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Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer with Retina Display:
I was debating between the MBP 13" with Retina vs the 15", realizing that the graphics card isn't as powerful on the 13" than on the 15"...
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Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer with Retina Display:
Just as in the [@] store, but with the best price.
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Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer with Retina Display:
This is my 4th MacBook over the years and I like this one probably the best. It is lighter than my 13" 2008 Macbook with a larger screen. Right now I thought the 15" rMBP is a much better deal than the 13" rMBP. I liked the size of the 13" but it is nice to have the extra screen area. Like I said this 15" is liter and I have no problem hauling it around. I do a lot of traveling and no issues.
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Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer with Retina Display:
A brilliantly designed computer. One of the best ones Apple has ever put on the market. Just delightful.
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Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer with Retina Display:
I have been traveling with a Mac companion for many years. I have owned variations of portables, to include the MacBook and iBook. My most recent partner was the 2010 MacBook Air, which was a phenomenal computer.
We all knew the day would come when a MacBook Pro would be released with a built-in SSD and retina display, and I'm happy that day is here. I painstakingly waited until the 13" MacBook Pro became available so I could compare the specifications.
The 13" Air was great for travel, but I work with a Java packaged-application in my day job, and I missed the power and RAM. The Air had 4 GB of RAM, which was barely enough for my needs.
The new 13" was not a good choice for me either. It maxes out at 8 GB of RAM. I try to keep my computers for at least 3 years, and I know I'll need more RAM in the future, especially I want to run a VM simultaneously.
So, I finally got my dream companion, complete with 16 GB RAM and 500 GB of storage. Wow! This computer sets the standard for fast and stylish and portable.
It's an amazing time for technology.
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Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer with Retina Display:
One of the most beautiful laptops I've ever own. The display is perfect for Photoshop and video work. B&H was responsive and sent this delicate item on time and as adviertised.
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Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer with Retina Display:
I use the product to create my films & photography work mainly, but also work intensely with the whole Adobe Master suite.
It is very fast and I don't have to work in one program at the time any longer.
The i7 processors along with the 64bit programs spins like a cat!
I still have and older 17inch Pro here that I still like the screen size better on.
Even Tho the resolution is a new world.
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Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer with Retina Display:
Use for a variety of different projects. Set up a virtual machine and it runs flawless. It is great for photo editing and creating maps. I'm starting to like it better than my windows machines.
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Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer with Retina Display:
Fast boot, reliable, rock solid. Best Mac ever!